Things to do in Yosemite National Park

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo provided by Ben Gepp
Photo provided by Ben Gepp
Photo provided by Ben Gepp
Photo provided by Ben Gepp
Photo provided by fotojoy
Photo provided by fotojoy
Yosemite National Park showing forest scenes and mountains
Photo provided by fotojoy
Photo provided by fotojoy

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Top places to visit

1. Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is the emerald green heart of Yosemite National Park. Marvel at the soaring granite walls, including some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, flanking this 8-mile (13-kilometer) canyon.
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Yosemite Valley which includes a cascade and mountains

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an area of extraordinary natural beauty in the center of California. It has abundant flora and fauna in addition to majestic mountains, giant trees, vast valleys and peaceful lakes. Every year, millions of travelers visit the park, which stretches across 747,956 acres (302,687 hectares). Glaciers formed the fascinating landscape about 1 million years ago.
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Yosemite Falls showing a cascade and mountains

3. Yosemite Falls

Yosemite National Park sets the bar high for magnificent natural beauty, but Yosemite Falls is indisputably one of its most striking features. This towering waterfall is one of the highest in North America. Water plunges a total of 2,425 feet (739 meters) from top to bottom of Yosemite Falls in three distinct sections.
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Yosemite Falls showing a cascade and mountains

4. Yosemite Visitor Center

Yosemite Visitor Center presents a superb introduction to the history and majestic scenery of Yosemite National Park. The center is many people’s first port of call when visiting the park. Come here to chat with knowledgeable rangers and plan your discovery of the park and valley. Find interactive exhibits that highlight the park’s varied geological features, vegetation and wildlife.
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Yosemite Visitor Center featuring interior views

5. El Capitan

El Capitan is one of Yosemite National Park’s best-known features, rising sharply from the valley floor in a spectacular precipitous formation. Translating to “the captain” in Spanish, El Capitan looks out over the magnificent valley and dares rock climbers and hikers to reach its dizzying peaks. See the mesmerizing rock face from one of several roads that wind through the western part of Yosemite Valley or grab your climbing equipment and tackle “El Cap” yourself.
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El Capitan showing forest scenes and a gorge or canyon

6. Glacier Point

Enjoy one of Yosemite National Park’s most enthralling views from Glacier Point, an outlook area that presents a sweeping scenic vista. See some of the Yosemite Valley’s most distinctive landmarks from the viewing area and go hiking, bird watching, stargazing or cross-country skiing in the majestic surrounding landscape.
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Glacier Point featuring tranquil scenes, a cascade and landscape views

What to do in Yosemite National Park

Popular places to visit

Yosemite Valley which includes a cascade and mountains

Yosemite Valley

From Yosemite Falls to Half Dome and El Capitan, you can see some of the most stunning scenery in the world from Yosemite National Park’s central valley.

Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Falls showing a cascade and mountains

Yosemite Falls

You may hear these thundering falls, which are among the top 10 tallest in the world, before you see them in California’s Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Visitor Center featuring interior views

Yosemite Visitor Center

Discover the geological history of the Yosemite Valley, pick up trail maps and shop for souvenirs at this portal to Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Visitor Center
Half Dome

Half Dome

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Half Dome during your travels in Yosemite National Park. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the hiking trails.

Half Dome
El Capitan showing forest scenes and a gorge or canyon

El Capitan

Experience the enormity of Yosemite Valley’s glacially carved granite peaks when you gaze upon this distinctive formation and rock-climbing landmark.

El Capitan
Glacier Point featuring tranquil scenes, a cascade and landscape views

Glacier Point

Witness a superb panorama of the Yosemite Valley from this viewing point and spot soaring canyons, plunging falls and granite cliffs along the rugged valley skyline.

Glacier Point
Tuolumne Meadows showing tranquil scenes and snow

Tuolumne Meadows

Explore the meadows of Yosemite National Park’s high country and see its velvety green plains studded with stunning granite domes, Sierra willows and wildflowers.

Tuolumne Meadows
Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake

View a range of rock formations reflected in serene blue water. This popular destination allows families to hike along the lake’s shoreline.

Tenaya Lake
Tunnel View which includes views and mountains as well as a large group of people

Tunnel View

Experience one of America’s iconic natural sights, a sweeping view of the forests, waterfalls and monolithic granite mountains of the Yosemite Valley.

Tunnel View

Areas of Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite West

You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Yosemite West. You might want to make time for a stop at Yosemite National Park or Sierra National Forest.

Yosemite West
Photo by Mariam Qozi

Oakhurst

Mariposa which includes mountains and tranquil scenes

Mariposa

Photo by Chris Winicki

Fish Camp

Photo by Ann Sair

El Portal

Yosemite Village

Yosemite Village